What is Dilation?

Dilation is when your eye doctor uses eye drops to enlarge your pupils. Because dilation allows for a better view inside the eye, it provides a more thorough evaluation of your eye and overall health. It is also an excellent time to obtain pictures of your retina. Looking into your eyes through an undilated pupil is like looking into a room through a keyhole – an incomplete view.

Dilation, while inconvenient (you are light sensitive and blurry for awhile after), is very important to evaluate your eye health. An appropriate interval for dilated exams in a healthy person in the absence of disease or family history is once every three years.

How to Prepare for Dilation

We schedule comprehensive eye exams at The Brown Center in 20-30 minute sessions.Dilation adds 30-40 minutes to the exam time.You will not see normally (blurred near vision, light sensitivity) for 3 to 4 hours.

A dilation may be rescheduled at The Brown Center as a follow up. Fees may apply. If you are going to be dilated it is recommended that you have a driver with you to drive you home. You may also want to bring a pair of sunglasses with you to wear afterward.

If you are having an eye emergency and our office is open, please call or come in to be seen by a doctor. If you have an emergency after-hours, please call our emergency line or visit your local ER.